Used 2006 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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My first VW
After suffering through poor gas mileage and equally poor reliability and service I finally decided to hang up the "it must be American" and purchase a foreign made vehicle. I was in the marked for a European sedan and after thinking my mind was made up on the BMW 3-Series I am thankful that I wandered into my local VW dealership and test drove the Passat. This vehicle is not only fun to drive but performs just as well in my opnion as the BMW. The best part about it was I got so much more for my money as far as "extras" that drove up the price of the BMW but were considered standards on the VW. Between the gas mileage, style, comfort and dependability I couldn't be happier.
Excelent Car
I am a happy 2006 VW Passat owner and I have just one problem. I forgot to tighten the fuel cap so the dashboard light came on. I reset it at the dealership and everything is OK. I feel that the suspention of the car is a bit soft for such sporty performance.
- 2.0T SedanMSRP: $5,00081 mi away
- 2.0T SedanMSRP: $3,999432 mi away
- Value Edition SedanMSRP: $5,500439 mi away
Love My Passat!
The Volkswagen Passat is a great car! it's fun, safe, comfortable, handles great, and overall is a great deal :).
If only it were reliable
When I bought this car I totally loved it. I drives great and was fun to drive. I never noticed until I went to sell it and got the vehicle service history printed out that I took it in 14 times for non-standard maintenence in 4.5 years. This is ridiculous. As soon as the warranty ran out, then I had to start paying for repairs out of pocket. Sooo disappointing. I would have loved to have kept this car, but the unreliability is so huge. I've previously owned another VW before this that had some problems. I will never buy another VW. Again, the reliability is terrible. I think VW should pay me back for the 3 visits to dealer in one month alone that cost nealy $3500.
So far, so good
I have been driving this baby for three months. It has a great ride. People are blown-away that this is the base model. All the sensors work (yes, even the tire pressure one). Watch out, this is a big car. It has more blind spots than I had expected. Its shifting is smooth. The parking brake and hill assist are nice. The guy who's getting 37 mpg on the highway must be driving like an old lady though. I'm averaging 25-27 overall, and maybe 32 mpg if driving highway only. How can you not cruise at 80 mph? That's so easy in this ride. Go for the alloy Tango wheels. They are a pretty good deal for an upgrade. To the comment about the autolocks - you can modify the settings with the computer. Just read the manual. It's slightly smaller than the bible.
love, hate relationship with vw
This is an awesome vehicle to drive. The handling and performance is unmatched by anything else in the category; however, this is my second VW and the same problems have occurred in this one as my 2001 jetta. The menu frequently posts inaccurate information such as tire pressure too low and the check engine light comes on. The Windows create a blind spot and the sunroof is inefficient.
Run for the hills
I've owned this car from new and from week one, yes week one, it's been in the shop. After having this car for almost three years now, I can't remember a time when I wasn't making plans in my schedule to take it in. Here's a short list: 3 nav units, satellite replacement, CD changer, airbag sensor, battery, window controller, almost all of the "soft touch" pieces on the interior, ashtray lid, catalytic downpipe assembly, front suspension parts, brake parts,rear trunk springs, fuel sending unit, 2 speakers and I'm sure I forgot a few! This car is worthless! It's value has decreased so fast my head spins, and it's no surprise if you read the reviews. I'm trading it ASAP. I'll never buy VW again!
Worst Car ever owned
I've never had a car that was in the shop more than this car. It started off in the shop at 8,000 miles, and had problems ever since. I just traded it in at 37, 650 miles b/c the engine went. I thought bc I was spending more on this car that it would be better in value, that was NOT the case at all. DO NOT get a VW if you are looking for a new car; this car was more trouble than its worth!!!!
Incredible amount of car for the money
It was time for a new car as the lease on my Accord was up. I cross shopped the Camry, Altima and another Accord but was simply blown away at the performance and value of the Passat. Even in the VE you get an incredibly responsive turbo engine, Tiptronic 6-speed auto transmission, 6 airbags, and a host of very cool features. The car is FAST, agile, and extremely fun to drive. This was by far the best bang for the buck and easily the most rewarding driving experience of the cars I considered.
I Still Love It
The only other vehicles I considered were the BMW 325i and Audi A4 2.0T (the 330 and A4 3.2 were slightly out of my range). Even after driving the 325, the Passat remained the clear winner for me. I purchased my new Passat 3.6 with Sport Package #1 (I feel this is the best deal in the 3.6 range) in order to provide a stable mate for my 1999 Passat 1.8T (which I will keep until it dies). As far as driving enjoyment goes, the car is great. The car's power, build quality, and Teutonic feel are amazing for a car in this price range. I have had a couple of electrical problems involving the fuel gauge and fuel pump, but both were quickly fixed under warranty. Despite these problems, I still love it.
Better Than the Other Two
This is my first VW and I absolutely love it. When I was looking for a new car, it came down to Audi and VW because I have had BMWs in the past and they are expensive to maintain, even in Germany. The VW gives you more standard features that are options on the Audi. I was very surprised to see how much was standard. Everything I wanted on a new car, I was able to get with the VW, and at a lesser cost than the Audi. I am extremely pleased with my decision. I live in Germany, and have learned that my car is very fun to drive and is extremely fast with little effort from the engine.
major disappointment
I loved my Passat, but was concerned about reliability when the car was no longer under warranty. (I previously experienced major post warranty repair expense with a 2001 BMW 540) Last week the car died and wouldn't start at a stop light at a busy intersection. I had it towed to a repair shop. The next day the car started and ran fine, with codes showing no problem. The reason for the car not starting problem was unexplainable. Also last week the compressor on the HVAC system died, a $1000 repair. After reading reliability experience of other owners,I was so concerned about the potential for continued problems that I traded for a 2009 Altima and purchased a 100,000 mile extended warranty.
New VW Passat
This is a great car. I test drove the Passat a few months before buying and knew right then that I had to get one. I am very impressed with the performance of the 2.0T engine. I couldn't be happier with my decision to get the Passat.
Looks are Deceiving
Although I was intially impressed with its acceleration and bells and whistles (electronic mileage and trip computer, etc), the car has been in the shop twice for the air pressure guage idiot light, and a bad ground with the battery. Moreover, I am now noticing a bad ground with the a/c fan regulator (a/c fan increases and decreases when depressing accelerator peddle). This car has the same electrical gremlins as my previous VWs. The car with the 16 inch "eco-squealers" does not feel sure footed over the twisties. Inside the fit 'n finish (plastic door panels) is not as solid as my 1998 VW Passat nor my 97 Audi Cabriolet. For the extra couple of grand I would look at an off lease Audi A4 or A3.
Worst Car ever owned
I bought this car from The Autobarn VW of Mount Prospect by seller ViC. THIS CAR IS JUNK .IF YOU LOOKING TO BUY CAR STAY FAR AWAY FROM VW .from the fist day I got this car about 2 years ago till now I have problem with it. I almost Chang all part of the car and finally I trad a car this week with Honda and one more time This car is a piece of junk.I'll never get another VW and I never recommended to any one.
Not Impressed
Really wanted to love this car. I've been doing Honda and Nissan forever and wanted to experience some German engineering. Be careful what you wish for - it's been in the dealer longer than I've had it, literally, for drivetrain vibration issues, throttle lag and mysterious tranny behavior. I hope VW can make this car what I expected it to be, a German engineered high value performance sedan. I may have to go back to Honda...
Worst Car EVER!
This is my second VW. I hoped that this car would last for 150-200k miles and now at 86k miles I need a new engine. I have already had the entire steering column computer system replaced, replaced the battery twice, had to have the navigation fixed because the system was stuck, have been stranded because the key would not work, had transmission serviced, the cam is bad ($5k), and the fuel pump is bad ($2k). They acknowledge that they have an issue with the cam and have changed the design because the car is out of warranty will not do anything to assist. VW has offered me $1000 toward the purchase over another VW. No thanks! If you drive a lot... do your research before you purchase!
Second Passat...Even Better!
We had an '04 Passat GLX 4-Motion that I loved except for poor gas mileage. We just got the Passat 2.0T w/ lux pkg 2, 17" wheels, Dynaudio and navigation. We just love the "riding on rails" stiffness of the new Passat! The added size pleased my family and me greatly. The navigation system plus compass makes my on the road job more enjoyable. Even with only 300 mi. on the odometer I'm getting high 20's mpg vs. 20.4 for the '04 4-Motion. I really didn't need the AWD so I'm happy to get the better gas mileage. This car's build quality (like on the '04) is superb! My friends who are "car guys" love it...and so do I!
Suspension problem caus. prem. tyre wear
Very pleased with the overall performance but rumbling noise on certain road surfaces is most disconcerting and appears to cause premature tyre wear. The dealer and his staff knew of the problem when I first approached them but VW will not acknowledge the problem as one which demands some beneficial attention for the customer. They say it is 'a .characteristic of the vehicle' and are not prepared to fix it or offer compensation for the excessive tyre wear. I would love to hear from any other owners who have experienced the problem.
stay far away from VW -Worst Car ever
I bought a vw passat 2.0T from The Autobarn VW of Mount Prospect by seller vic 2 years ago . I change almost everything in this car.also sellers in vw deale so mean,they only nice the day selling the car and after they don't give dam what 's gonna happen.I will never buy another VW.Do not spend any dime for this junk car.From day one this car caused problemsHow can you make this vehicle more reliable without having to bring it into the shop all the time.this car is a junk,electrical component failures,multiple check engine lights
Strive for Perfection
Recaro seats would be a nice addition to this car. I find that the upper leg support in its current seats is not right. By extending the lower seat length frationally along with better upper and lower side bolsters the driving experience would be better. A DSG transmission would be a welcome addition. My wife is a curb lover. Is there any way to design a wheel that could help prevent this prevent this problem? We have found in this recent 100 degree weather that keeping the car cool is rather difficult, especially in the rear. My personal driving experiences with the car have been very enjoyable. Its drivability has been taught yet compliable. Its performance has been excellent and trouble free. Keep making cars that exude quality, reliable, and are fun to drive!
Pretty Good
I've enjoyed driving the car but not quite as much as the 2004 Passat 6-cyl. The two things that really need change on my new Passat are the console cup holders (they are useless) and the key should have a ring so when you valet the car and you take the valet key there is something they can hang the key on. I had a valet misplace the key but it was found.
only lemon NOT
I also have had most thing replaced on my car. a/c, wipermotor, turbor, sensors are being changed all the time fuel pressure, and other things, timing belt as suggested 2 months ago now its in for a motor problem possible cam chain broke or tenioner they keep changing their mind on whats the problem..and the exterior is rusting in odd places such as the middle of the doors.
Passat Issues Since Purchase
After 16,500 miles, I sold my Passat due to the on-going quality and reliability since buying the car 22 months ago. The car has spent overt six weeks in the dealership primarily for a new transmission, new exhaust system and new fuel system. I reached a point with the car that I was afraid to go over normal road bumps. VW did supply me with rental cars. Overall, I would not recommend buying VW. Just too many issues with the quality and reliability. Please do additional research if you are going to buy a VW. Ask mechanics and rental car agencies about their experience with VWs. If you buy one, you should get to know the service manager.
Smokey the Passat
My wife and I test drove the vehicle and made our deal on this used Passat. The Carfax looked clean and required maintenance was accounted for. We signed a drove home. We then took our daughters for a ride and returned the vehicle to the drive. Fifteen minutes later we started the car. Smoke poured from the hood. The car died. Towed to the dealer and fixed. Not an auspicious start. We had it less than 1 hour. At any rate, it was repaired and runs fine. Coil burned out. Other than that debacle I like the vehicle. For now it has to prove itself to be reliable. After that flame out in the driveway that might be hard for this buggy to do. She does fly though with the Turbo!
From Pashizzle to Pasham!
This is a second chance survey to help offset my previous post. VWoA came through with a software fix, reflashed the ECU and KAPOW!, the car has come to life!! There is no more throttle lag and hestitation, lurching or bucking. Now it is smooth, linear power delivery and fun to drive factor just tripled. Had it been like this originally I would have given it a 10.0. Kudos VW!
Great Ride and Engineering at a Great Price
This is the car that have most enjoyed driving overall. Its best features are its powerful engine, stability, quality of interior design, and roomy space. Before I decided to get this car I drove an Altima, Maxima, and and Accord, but at the end my decision to get the Passat was made by the excellent drive feeling.
No Problems After 2 1/2 Years
This has been the best care that I've owned. Looks great, excellent performance, quality interior, excellent stereo, plenty of room both inside and in the trunk. Haven't had a single problem with this vehicle and it's a pleasure to drive. Some times the problems reported are the result of the driver/lack of maintenance, or someone who has purchased a flooded car.
Looks are deceiving...
Thank goodness this particular year had a 50,000 warranty or I would have been SOL with most of these repairs. A/C work, window modules, transmission, paint chipping/rusting, coolant system keeps getting "bubbles" causing the coolant to be low when it reads as normal...those are the major things. I have a year left on the lease without the warranty and I am afraid that I will have a lot of cash going out for repairs.
Definitely Fun to Drive and Looks GREAT!
I love to drive my Passat. It truely has the "fun to drive" factor. I have the 2.0L turbo/auto. The automatic transmission is a 6-speed, you don't see that very often. You do not need a manual when the auto. will let you drive in either manual +/- up and down shifting or just plain automatic. If that is not enough, you have a choice of a 5-speed sport auto. mode or a 6-speed auto. mode. The only problem so far was the 6 disc in dash had to be replaced. They had to send to Germany for a new one. I still have yet to get my CD's mailed back. I'm very pleased with the balance of sport and performance and the feel of luxury.
Biggest Piece of Crap I have ever owned
I bought this vehicle in Germany over a year ago. In the past year I had over 2600 dollars in repairs. Not routine maintenance, but repairs. It ate oil....there was never a leak, but the oil would disapear. The maintenance lights would appear magically after repairs were completed. I purchased the VAG COM diagnostic program to stem the cost of the regular repairs which were required for safe operation of this money pit. I was throughly disappointed that I sold my 06 Ford Focus. But I was able to unload this clunker to purchase a 2011 Chevy Equinox. I will never buy a foreign car again!
don"t buy a 2006 VW Passat
Please do your self a favor...RUN don"t walk away from owning a VW especially a 2006 Passat 2.ol. VW doesn't back up their product. There is clearly a design problem with a this year and this model"s engine which ultimately results in your need to replace the engine!! In the 40K plus area the cars begins to burn oil, there is a problem with the cam shaft and high pressure fuel pump. VW puts a bandaid extended warranty that is designed to do nothing. It is carefully worded to protect VW and not the unsuspecting buyer.
2006 Passat
This is my 5th VW, it is the best one yet. I am so very impressed with the 2.0T. The 1.8T had turbo lag they have fixed it with the 2.0T. I could not imagine the 3.6 Passat 280 HP compaired to the 200 in my new 2.0T. The interior is very comfortable. The seats are more plush both in the front and back. Gas milage is as rated both city and hiway.
great fun, BUT!
Good items: firm ride, great handling, Nice interior, quality fit and finish, Nice leather touches, good fuel economy at highway speeds. Bad items: a bit of turbo lag, scary if you pull into traffic, noisy front end from tires and all the mechanical stuff, feels cheap, expensive repair and maintenance, I love the car, its loaded from 06, few like it on the road, gonna keep it and treat it like a fine lady.... Jeff
It just keeps getting better and better
There are no matches for this car in this class and price range. I would even pick this over BMW 3-Series. The engine, even though it's turbo, feels like V6, there is no hesitation, and it picks up speed flawlessly. Interior is like a soundproof music studio, no noise, except some wind noise at high speeds. Ride quality is impeccable. It is solid on straight aways, and cornering is supple, even though there's slight body lean in extreme cornering. The car stops on the dime and without any nose dive. Interior designers must be blushing from all the praise at VW. It is interior that looks like $40-$50K car's interior. Heated seats, mirrors, 6- speed auto, all windows auto up/down feature, much more
Homerun!
I have owned several VW's, Audis, Lexus, and Mercedes and this car is absolutely the best car I have driven for the price. It is comfortable, stylish and fun to drive. It handles well. I only wish it was a hybrid considering the price of fuel. The other cars in it's class don't have a chance. Great car!
Love the 2006 Passat
I just took delivery of my '06 Passat 3 days ago, the first night I sat in it for 2 hours figuring all of the options out. The upgraded Dyna Audio system with the XM radio is sweet. The leather is really nice, the sun/moon roof is very quite even wide open. The transmission is cool with the 3 different options. Regular drive, sport and tiptronic. I have not even gotten to the smooth ride and quickness. The lease special is the deal. I traded a 2000 Jetta.
Head of the class
1. Shifts were imperceptive and smooth (needed to mute stereo to listen to engine). 6-speed tiptronic transmission was more responsive than 5-speed. Didnt do much sport mode since I like to move between tip and auto mode side to side. Downshifts came pretty quickly. 2. Handling and steering adjectives: smooth, crisp, precise, responsive, flat, agile, tenacious, communicative, and confident. This car was fun to hustle. Best cut and thrust sedan Ive ever driven. 3. Sensation of thrust not acceleration. Point the 2.0T down a ramp, hit the gas and you literally rocket forward until you take your foot off the gas. 85 mph passed by before I had merged. Felt similar to beginning of take off roll in a jetliner.
I'd love it more if it were reliable.
The car looks great, it handles well, and it is very comfortable to ride in. Find another car that has so many luxury features for the price. The above said, the reliability of the car has been a nightmare. I've had the A/C Replaced, throttle body, pcv valves, gas cap, interior buttons, shocks, all replaced. I've had all of the TSB's that applied to the 2006 model just about - and there are a lot. I've had about 15-18 services since I bought the car in 2006. Which works out to almost every other month (it wasn't that frequent but sometimes it was 3 times in a month).
IT'S GRRREAT!
I just test drove the new Passat. Just before my visit to the VW dealership I took a Honda Accord Coupe out for a test drive, an Acura TL and even considered the BMW 3-Series. The Passat definitely blew me away with all of its hidden gadgets and features. I'm going to buy mine in 3 days! Deep black baby...
Best Audi for the money....
I had test driven the new BMW 5-Series, the Audi A6 and S4 before leasing this vehicle. The new '06 Passat is completely redesigned and it is quite simply, the most affordable "Made in Germany", luxury sedan in the world! The spacious interior and powerful 200 bhp turbo engine make this Passat the best offering VW has ever made to a thirsty American consumer, unable to wait for Alfa Romeo's return, or unable to afford their flagship Audi branded sedans. It was almost identical in drive, ride, handling and braking as the new '06 Audi A6 sedan...but for exactly HALF the price! Why would anyone buy an Accord or Camry, when this fine German made vehicle is available?
2006 Passat Gas Mileage
Just bought a 2006 Passat 4 cylinder turbo. Gas mileage is about 20 miles per gallon in town; 30 to 31 miles per gallon on the highway.
Superb, Fabulous German Quality!
When I drive my Passat I always feel I'm driving a sophisticated German car with price of over $35,000. First I saw it I was totally infatuated by its appearance, and now I'm in deep love with the feeling it provides when I'm in driver's seat.
Our new Passat
After looking at many mid size cars we recently chose the new 2006 Passat sedan. We were looking for a sedan that was roomy, safe, comfortable, with good gas mileage for our family. The new Passat stood out from in a crowed market. We previously owned a nice Mercury Mountaineer but the low gas mileage and constant rise in the price of gas was killing our budget. Even though we have owned the car for only a short time we are so impressed with all the features of the 2006 Passat.
2006 Passat
I recently purchased a 2006 Candy White Passat. What a car If I only had a dollar for each person who has stopped me to comment on the car. It rides like a dream, miles above my 2005 Nissan Maxima. The only flaw is the wind design. Driving with only the drivers side window open is extremely windy. The airflow hits the window frame and pushes into the car. The new sound system has better quality sound than my previous 2002 Passat Monsoon system.
Playing catch up
I just traded an Expedition on a new 2006 Passat. I do NOT miss my gas guzzler one bit. The fit and finish on this car are very impressive. My wife has the Infiniti G35 coupe, and the new Passat is very close in terms of quality! This is my first German auto and will not be my last, I am hooked. American car companies should take a long hard look at this car, they have some major catching up to do.
German evolution
This is my 4th Passat and certainly the most luxurius. No doubt VW is after a higher end market. Satelite radio, 6 CD in-dash perfectly diplayed and easy to operate radio with great sound for a standard item. The 200 hp engine coupled with a smooth 6-speed, no clutch transmission gives it a very subtle touch. The handling is pure Volkswagen: nimble, agile and responsive. This car has a stiffer and more solid feel in curves compared to my previous 2003 model.
Fun Family Car with Excellent Value
Just signed the lease through VW Credit for 2.0T Auto with Package 2. Besides the Passat, my wife and I also tested Audi A4 2.0T, the new Jetta, Accord V6 and Camry V6. The A4 had more feature than the Passat, but the ride was too bumpy for our taste. When compared to the other three, the Passat is just better in almost every single aspect. It has more passing power, a more sporty ride that is not so bumpy, and perfectly weighted steering. Excellent interior design, feels very upscale. Good space for both front and rear occupants. The lease program is very attractive on this car!
Best Passat yet
I have had several Audi's in the past. I would put this on a par with the quality level of the Audi. If it were all wheel drive, you wouldn't know the difference. It feels more solid than my previous A4 Avant...the ride and handling of this new Passat is second to none...extremely happy with the car.
Third One is a Charm too
This is my third VW and my 2nd Passat. My first Passat being a 2004 GLS 1.8 turbo. Last weekend I wrecked my '04 in a 60 mhp accident I walked away with only a small cut on my right wrist from a chain I was wearing, the car was totaled. The other car (a 4-Runner was a mess too) that being said I started looking around for another car to buy, with all the deals today IE: employee pricing and 0% interest I checked out almost every maker of cars in the $25,000 to $30,000 range. Nothing out there compares with a Passat unless you want to spend twice as much on a new BMW. The new '06 Passat seems to be a totally differant car then my '04 model. It drives much smoother, faster, it feels like a Mercedes-Benz. Try this car first!